Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 d
Modern inline-six diesel with aluminium block and steel pistons. Efficient and powerful, few known weaknesses to date. Timing chain long-lived.
Diesel Sovereign
Strong diesel with 250 kW. Enormous torque for effortless progress, but not a fun engine.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The vacuum-controlled coolant pump can develop leaks between the coolant and vacuum circuits. Coolant enters the EGR solenoid valves; an electrochemical reaction creates a fire hazard.
The Bosch CP4 high-pressure pump is more sensitive to fuel contamination than its predecessors. Poor diesel quality can damage the pump and injectors.
Symptoms: Power loss, hesitation, injection system fault codes, in severe cases engine damage from metal swarf
The switchable coolant pump does not reliably seal between the coolant and vacuum circuits. Coolant can overheat electrical solenoid valves — fire risk. Campaign code 2090008.
Symptoms: No direct driver symptoms — preventive recall. Possible coolant loss, electrical faults, unusual odour
Early OM656 units had overly soft roller rocker arms. From engine number 80278367 (10/07/2018) a reinforced version was fitted. Older engines develop camshaft wear and timing chain problems.
Symptoms: Clattering tick in the valvetrain, especially on cold start, increased oil consumption, CEL, rough running
The variable valve lift system Camtronic shows failures at solenoid valves and actuators, especially up to 2022. Camshaft wear generates metal particles in the oil.
Symptoms: Rough idle, knocking noises while driving, elevated oil consumption, variable valve train fault code
DPF, EGR and SCR/AdBlue system are sensitive to frequent short-trip driving. Premature blockages with warning lights are common.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, DPF warning lamp, power reduction in regeneration mode, elevated AdBlue consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
Incorrectly fitted A/C condensate drain hoses direct water into the interior. Short circuits and fire risk. KBA recall 012644 affects 11,601 vehicles.
On early V167 models, damper rod seals do not meet specification. Leaking hydraulic fluid leads to premature failure.
An incorrectly welded stud on the right-hand side of the vehicle allows water ingress. Electrical connections for the engine, lighting and wipers can fail. Approximately 3,576 vehicles affected.
Incorrectly routed condensate drain hoses direct water into the vehicle interior. Contact with electrics can cause short circuits and fire risk. Recall KBA 012644, 171,463 vehicles worldwide.
On early C167 examples, the damper rod seal cannot meet long-term sealing requirements. Risk of tipping at maximum load and cornering.
Incorrectly routed A/C condensate drain hoses can cause short circuits and fire risk. Approximately 171,463 vehicles worldwide affected.
Incorrectly secured window channel trim strips can detach while driving. Approximately 450,000 vehicles on the 167 platform worldwide affected.
The infotainment system freezes occasionally. Climate control and seat adjustments become non-functional. Software updates only partially improve the situation.
Decorative trim strips on rear doors detach. Around 450,000 vehicles affected. Mercedes covers costs under a goodwill action.
The MBUX system no longer responds to touch inputs or hangs on long journeys. Software updates alleviate the problem but rarely solve it permanently.
Reports & Tests
231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2025). Most reported: Engine (61), Electrical (44), Other (36).